Sam George: Inter-Ministerial Committee to Address High Costs of Data

The Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Sam Nartey George, has announced plans to set up an inter-ministerial committee to review and potentially reduce the cost of mobile data in the country. Speaking on Newsfile, he assured that within the next 14 days, the committee would be established to develop a strategy to make internet access more affordable for Ghanaians.

Strategic Approach to Data Cost Reduction

During the interview, Sam George highlighted that the review process would consider two possible models: either a direct reduction in the price of data or an increase in the value of data packages offered by telecommunication companies.

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“You could be paying 100 cedis today for 100GB. Do we want to make the 100GB cost 75 cedis, or do we want to maintain the 100GB at 100 cedis but offer 150GB instead? Whichever way, consumers get more value,” he explained.

Composition of the Inter-Ministerial Committee

The committee will include representatives from key governmental and industry stakeholders, including:

• Ministry of Energy
• Ministry of Finance
• Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)
• The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS)
• Chamber of Telecommunications
• Content producers, including social media influencers and skit creators

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The inclusion of the Ministry of Energy is strategic, as a significant portion of telecom operators’ costs is attributed to power consumption by tower companies. George noted that 80% of the operational cost of these tower companies comes from electricity bills, and finding a way to regulate this pricing could lead to lower data costs.

Next Steps and Expected Outcomes

The inter-ministerial committee will have a clear timeline to develop a comprehensive and actionable plan. The minister-designate reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that by the end of 2025, Ghanaians will see a noticeable reduction in data prices or an improvement in data package offerings.

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As Ghana continues to advance its digital economy, the cost of internet access remains a crucial factor in ensuring inclusivity and economic growth. Sam George’s initiative has been welcomed by digital content creators, businesses, and the general public, who are hopeful that this intervention will make data more accessible and affordable.

Stay tuned for more updates as the inter-ministerial committee begins its work in the coming days.

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